Fire destroys county star's barn

A Sunday morning fire leveled a barn on the north edge of Hillsboro leased by country music star Tommy Overstreet.

The loss is estimated at $100,000, including heavy dmage to a van, pickup truck and a horse trailer.

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue says no one was injured in the fire and the origin does not appear to be suspicious.

According to HF&R, the fire was reported by Overstreet. When firefighters arrived, they found the 30-by-30-foot metal clad barn engulfed in flames.

Firefighters had to set up a water shuttle because the nearest hydrant was more than a quarter mile away. They were able to bring the flames under control in about 20 minutes, but then spent more than two hours mopping up hot spots.

Firefighters from Washington County Fire District No. 2 and Cornelius Fire & Rescue aided in fighting the blaze.

The 75-year-old Overstreet told investigators he had stepped outside the home he leased to allow his dog to get some exercise. He heard some popping and went to investigate and found flames crawling up the side of his barn located about 75 yards from his home and in a grove of trees. He retreated to his house and called 9-1-1. There were no animals in the barn.

Overstreet's music career began in the 1950s and he had a string of Top 10 hits, starting with "Gwen (Congratulations)" in 1970 and including "I Don't Know You Anymore," "Heaven is My Woman's Love," "Send Me No Roses," "I'll Never Break These Chains," "(Jeannie Marie) You Were a Lady," "If I Miss You Again Tonight," "I'm a Believer," "That's When My Woman Begins," and "Don't Go City Girl on Me."